Meet MTA – Mobile Travel Agent Bettiann Gain

What did you do before you joined MTA?Had my own Travel Office, before that I was a stay at home mum and previous to that I worked for British Airways.

When and why did you join MTA? For the freedom in the way I work and the personalised service I can give to my clients.

What do you like most about working as an MTA Member? Being able to work when and how I like and having such fabulous support from our Head Office Team.

Do you have a specialised area in travel? I always endeavour to tailor my clients’ holidays to suit the way they like to travel. I also do specialise in the USA and cruising.

What’s one of your biggest personal achievements? Winning the Avis Travel Agents Scholarship of excellence award in 2012, being chosen from agents all over Australia and just completing 10 years with MTA.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt since starting as a home-based travel agent?To listen to your clients needs and ensure what you book is right for them.

What sets MTA apart from the rest?Having an amazing support team in our head office, ranging from assistance when you are away, marketing if you need it, IT support, office support and of course fares and ticketing help.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given and who gave it? Start off as you intend to go on (in your marriage) – from my mother!

Who do you admire and see as a role model in the industry? I have to say Karen and Roy Merricks for having the vision back when they did to start MTA Travel, it was extremely forward thinking.

What destinations are next on your travel bucket list? India and South America.

What’s the most memorable travel experience you’ve had (good or bad)? It’s so difficult to pick just one, I would have to say a Virtuoso trip I did with other MTA agents to Spain, the accommodation we stayed in was just so special and my recent trip to Italy with my daughter, every place surpassed the last.

What three things do you always take with you when travelling?Kindle, credit card and a sense of humour.

Which famous person would you most like to travel with and where to?Roger Federer to Wimbledon.

What do you find yourself doing on your weekends? Playing tennis, cooking and relaxing with friends.

What direction do you see the industry heading in over the next five to ten years? I see the industry moving from a retail office environment to the home-based organisations and also a lot of internet booking sites.